3 Seafood - Cover story: Sinclair's Ocean Bounty on a roll p20 Nash and Bolger promise consultation, innovation p11,13 - Seafood New Zealand
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Seafood
JUNE 2018 • VOLUME 26 • NO.3
NEW ZEALAND
Cover story: Sinclair’s
Ocean Bounty on a
roll p20
Nash and Bolger
promise consultation,
innovation p11,13
FUNDING� AVAILABLE FOR�SEAFOOD�INDUSTRY� RESEARCH�PROJECTS FOR�INFORMATION�PLEASE�CONTACT� Mike Mandeno General Manager, Seafood Innovations Ltd Mobile +64 21 548 330 • DDI +64 4 801 4695 enquiries@seafoodinnovations.co.nz www.seafoodinnovations.co.nz
CONTENTS
FEATURES OPINION REGULARS
20 Cover story: Look before 34 Action on cage-diving 25 Salt of the ocean: Seventy
you leap, Sinclair tells critics overdue years in the industry
07 The ins and outs of 41 Oceans need balance 35 Nuts and bolts: Aussie
set-netting skipper goes electric
11 Minister wants Fisheries 38 Letters: Act on your rights
NZ to engage and innovate
39 Event: Coromandel
13 We’ll listen, promises Seafood Fest
Fisheries NZ head
40 Recipe: Chargrilled
16 Research leads to safer oysters with chilli lime
seafood
11
XX
20 COVER STORY 23
34 15
XX COVER STORY
Seafood New Zealand | June 2018 | 3
EDITORIALS
COVER FEATURE
In this
Published by Seafood New Zealand Ltd.
Postal Address:
PO Box 297
Wellington 6140
issue
New Zealand
Physical Address:
Level 6
Eagle Technology House
135 Victoria Street
Wellington 6011
Phone: +64 (0)4 385 4005
www.seafoodnewzealand.org.nz
It might not have made much of a mark in the mainstream media
but the launch of Fisheries New Zealand last month was a significant
moment in the history of the seafood industry. The Government’s
ISSN 1172-4633 decision to return fisheries to a stand-alone portfolio - albeit with
Editorial enquiries:
its business unit staying under the MPI umbrella - has created the
Email: editor@seafood.org.nz opportunity to give our industry the attention and support it deserves
as a vital part of this country’s economy and a major employer.
Advertising enquiries:
The day after the platitudinous parliamentary function, Fisheries
Karen Olver
Minister Stuart Nash and Fisheries NZ head Dan Bolger separately
Phone: +64 (0)4 802 1513
sat down with Seafood NZ editor Bill Moore to set out their views on
advertising@seafood.org.nz
what they hope to achieve, and to answer questions on some specific
Subscriptions: issues that are front of mind for us. Both say they are committed to
Seafood New Zealand is published for the a much more open, consultative and innovative approach. While the
New Zealand seafood industry. It is also
proof is yet to come, it’s a good start.
available on subscription in New Zealand and
Our cover story features the indefatigable Graeme Sinclair talking
overseas. Subscription rates are available on
request. Seafood New Zealand is produced
about series two of Ocean Bounty, the informative and often revealing
bi-monthly (six issues per annum). show he and his small, family-oriented team are making with industry
support. As in the popular first series, Sinclair is opening windows
Your Say: on fishing and aquaculture that are usually closed to the public. He is
Contributions of a nature relevant to the right to suggest that those who criticise this departure from his long
seafood industry are welcomed and industry and successful Gone Fishin’ career ought to watch Ocean Bounty
participants are encouraged to contribute. before knocking it.
Letters to the Editor should be signed and We also have an in-depth explanation of New Zealand set-netting
carry the writers’ full names and addresses. by Fisheries Inshore New Zealand policy analyst Tom Clark, the
General: story of an Australian crab fisherman pioneering the use of diesel-
The reproduction of articles and materials electric engines on a new boat, and a strong opinion piece from
published in Seafood New Zealand, in whole Paua Industry Council chairman Storm Stanley, who reckons the
or in part, is permitted provided the Government should have stepped in to properly regulate the cage-
source and author(s), as applicable, are diving game long ago.
acknowledged.
There’s a lot more in this issue and the highlight for many readers
However, all photographic material is will be Chris Carey’s feature on the life and times of Ron Threadwell,
copyright and written permission is required to who got his start fishing 70 years ago and is still involved in the
reproduce it in any shape or form. Articles and industry. Ron is another of those great characters whose stories
information printed in Seafood New Zealand make fascinating reading.
do not necessarily reflect the opinions or
formal position of Seafood New Zealand Ltd
unless otherwise indicated.
Tim Pankhurst
All material published in Seafood New Zealand Chief Executive
is done so with all due care as regards
accuracy and factual content. The publishers
and editorial staff, however, cannot accept
responsibility for any inadvertent errors and
omissions that may occur.
ISSN 1172-4633 (Print)
ISSN 2538-0834 (Online)
4 | Seafood New Zealand | Volume 26 No 3
NEWS
A close-up view of an HVDC cable on the Cook Strait seabed. Cables are The newest Remote Operated Vehicle for inspecting and carrying out
sheathed in thick insulation as well as layers of protection against water mitigation work on the Cook Strait submarine cables.
ingress, water pressure, shipworms, and coiling. The outer layer is a mix of
polypropylene yarn and asphalt.
Power cable damage an infrastructure risk
A recent prosecution over fishing manager at Transpower. “We encourage anchors had caught on the undersea
activity in the Cook Strait Cable people to familiarise themselves with cables and caused damage.
Protection Zone (CPZ) highlighted the the location and restrictions of the “Repairing these cables can cost
importance of protecting the High CPZ before fishing millions of dollars
Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Cook in Cook Strait, and and cause significant
Strait cables, Transpower said. to also ensure that “We encourage disruption to power
their navigational
people to familiarise and communications
The CPZ protects the critical submarine tools onboard are systems for
electricity and telecommunications sufficient,” he said. themselves with New Zealand. We
cables that link the North and South This reminder the location and are lucky no damage
Islands. Fishing and anchoring are comes following restrictions of the occurred in this
prohibited in the CPZ to ensure the a recent case in incident, and we caution
cables are not accidentally disturbed the Nelson District CPZ before fishing those using the Cook
or damaged. These activities – which Court where the in Cook Strait, and Strait for recreation or
include fishing using nets, pots, lines judge considered to also ensure that for commercial fishing
and diving – present risks to the inter- the master of a to be aware of the CPZ
island flow of power and data that forms fishing vessel had
their navigational boundaries,” he said.
part of New Zealand’s infrastructure been seriously tools onboard are Transpower is keen
backbone. careless in allowing sufficient.” to help educate those
Penalties for breaching the fishing equipment fishing or boating in
Submarine Cables and Pipelines to be dragged into Cook Strait to ensure
Protection Act 1996 include fines of up the CPZ by tides. While no damage the cables are protected, and provides
to $250,000 and forfeiture of the vessel was detected to the cables, this was information in a number of ways.
responsible. considered serious offending and a fine Contact information, and a summary of
“The CPZ is in place to ensure was imposed. information for mariners, fishers, divers
that this important piece of national Smith said that there had been and the public can be found at https://
infrastructure is kept safe,” said Ricky previous incidents where trawling www.transpower.co.nz/cook-strait-cpz-
Smith, HVDC & power electronics equipment, other fishing gear and cable-protection-zone.
Seafood New Zealand | June 2018 | 5
NEWS
Inshore fleet moves The Programme
forward with new
The programme is voluntary
but FINZ expects all vessel
owners to participate. The
mitigation programme programme outlined parallels
that already used successfully in
the deepwater and surface long
line sectors.
Fisheries Inshore New Zealand and as a reminder of how the vessel
Limited (FINZ) is implementing a will operate its measures during fishing The programme will consist
fleet-wide programme to reduce the activities. of:
sector’s impact on protected species. “As the programme evolves we will –– a set of operational
use that experience and new technology procedures for the
The programme will set up vessel- to improve our mitigation measures mitigation of risk to
specific operational procedures to to reduce further the risk to marine protected species, one
lessen risk for protected marine life. animals,” Helson said. for each fleet or subfleet
Created in conjunction with the Along with their legal reporting as operators consider
Ministry for Primary Industries and requirements, the programme will put appropriate. These will be
Department of Conservation, the plan in place additional processes if captures prepared in consultation
will also help change perceptions occur. with our operators and
the sector isn’t doing enough to help “If a vessel exceeds the capture interested parties;
marine life. incident triggers, the skipper will –– a vessel-specific risk
The programme is already underway contact their liaison officer who would mitigation plan for every
in the inshore trawl and setnet fleets if circumstances warrant review aspects vessel, setting out how
along the Canterbury, Otago and of the vessel specific plan with the that vessel will mitigate
Southland coast. operator and fisher with a view to risks through management
FINZ chief executive Dr Jeremy helping to identify any improvements of attractants – offal,
Helson said the vast majority of the fleet that could be made,” he said. waste, fish – and how it will
already operated mitigation measures. “On an annual basis at least, industry, mitigate the risk from our
“We will on occasions unavoidably MPI and DOC would review the gear and fishing activity;
capture some animals and cause overall performance for the fleets. This –– a set of triggers or notifiable
harmful injuries,” Helson said. would consider the triggers reported, capture events to initiate
“It’s appropriate as users of the the observed and estimated levels a review of mitigation
common space that we recognise our of captures and the outputs of risk measures;
impacts and reduce them to the feasible assessments.” –– an auditing of utilisation on
minimum. It is also in our best interests The programme will be rolled out the water by monitoring;
to demonstrate to New Zealand and through the entire fleet over the next and
the world that we value those animals, two years. –– an auditing of performance
seek to minimise our impact and are “The implementation of the by a joint committee of
willing to be held accountable for our programme will not be simple with MPI, DOC and industry
performance.” some 500 vessels to be worked with,” representatives.
The plans will be written by operators Helson said. “But, this is an important
with the assistance of liaison officers step in continuing to reduce our risk to For more information on the
contracted to DOC and will be retained marine life.” programme
on vessels and used to train new crew, www.inshore.co.nz
6 | Seafood New Zealand | Volume 26 No 3
FEATURE
The ins and outs of
set-netting in NZ
The death of five Hector’s dolphins in a Canterbury set net earlier this
year prompted calls for a total ban on this ancient fishing method.
In this article Fisheries Inshore New Zealand policy analyst Tom Clark
explains how it is used in this country, and invites readers to judge its
worth for themselves.
Set-netting or gill-netting has been much criticised as a fishing method in
the recent past. Ask any person in the street about gill netting and they
will conjure up visions of kilometres of net floating in the ocean catching
anything and everything in their path. Commentators often speak in
negative terms, for example, Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage recently
talked of “the indiscriminate nature of set nets as a fishing method”, The 9 metre set net vessel Lady Bridget.
and said that a review of how to “best phase out these near invisible and
deadly mono-filament gill nets is long overdue”. The minister commented
that other fishing methods could be used to catch the fish. Forest and
Bird fisheries advocate Anton van Helden commented “set netting is
an environmentally destructive and wasteful fishing method that’s killing
endangered animals”. Van Helden talked of set-netting as being a South
Island method.
But are the above perceptions and impressions correct? Is the
New Zealand public properly informed as to the incidence and impacts of
set-netting? We think not.
We believe the public need to be properly informed on set-netting in
New Zealand and this article presents that information. We leave it to the
reader to draw their own conclusions as to the credibility of recent claims
and perceptions.
Gill-netting is the oldest known form of industrial fishing. Like all forms
of fishing, it will catch both target fish which the fishers want and incidental
by-catch they don’t want. Nets have been found in archaeological digs in
ancient civilisations.
While some refer to netting as gill-netting, the more common term is
set-netting. We use the term set-netting in this article to refer to all forms of
gill-netting.
Set-netting is a very diverse form of fishing in terms of where, how, why,
and species fished. It is simply not possible to make general comments to
describe set-netting. At one end of the spectrum small nets are used to
target flounder and mullet in very shallow harbours, at the other end long
nets are used to target shark in waters of up to 150 metres deep, and every
step on the continuum between those two end points.
Set-netting is used by the commercial sector, the recreational sector and
the customary sector to catch their fish. The recreational sector use set-
nets primarily in harbours and quiet waters to catch flounder, kahawai and
mullet. Customary sector use of set-nets is similar to the recreational sector.
Since we don’t have a lot of information on recreational or customary set-
netting, the remainder of this article focuses on the commercial sector.
As a form of fishing, set-netting is a cost-effective and relatively
inexpensive form of fishing. For a set-netter operating in a harbour, a
hand-rowed or outboard-powered dinghy might be the entry point. The
fish catch in a year will be equally small, probably less than 400 kilograms.
That might provide a part-time living but won’t push the sustainability of
the fish stocks of New Zealand. At the other end of the spectrum, vessels
Rex Smith in his 4 metre tinny.
could be more powerful, up to 20 metres with a crew of 5 or more staying
Seafood New Zealand | June 2018 | 7
FEATURE
at sea for some days, icing their catch Hokianga, Mangonui, Bay of Islands School shark, rig and some flounder
and catching upwards of 300 tonnes per Kaipara, Manukau, Hauraki Gulf, Firth will be exported to Australia but, as
year. of Thames and Raglan. However, they lower-value fish, they’re not exported
Commercial set-netting has a total can be found the length and breadth of too far from home.
reported catch of 8000 tonnes per New Zealand. Set-netters range from grandfathers
year, making up 2 percent of the total Depending on the target species, to young guys. They have experience
commercial catch. For some species, they will be found in close to kelp beds, ranging from being second-generation
it is the only way to target such fish, or on more open harbour tidal flats, or fishers to being younger guys looking to
particularly if they won’t take a hook, on seas up to 150 metres deep. They get a foothold in fishing.
e.g. butterfish and mullet, and inhabit will fish in slow water areas such as One thing they all have in common is
areas we can’t fish with trawlers, e.g. in harbours and in faster currents such as a capacity to work and work hard. Those
harbours or close to reefs or kelp beds. Foveaux Strait. fishing for local sales will be up early
The most common forms of netting The nets are set to selectively target and hard at it to get fish to the market
are set-netting and ring-netting. particular fish species, the principal and shops, while the rest of us are still
Set-nets are anchored at both ends, targets being mullet, flatfish, rig, school in bed.
usually little more than a metre high and shark, trevally, elephantfish, tarakihi, While set-netting is targeted to catch
with a maximum regulated length of spiny dogs, butterfish and moki. particular fish species, like all forms of
three kilometres. Fishers normally fish Butterfish are only found at the edge fishing, it can catch fish and things it
with significantly shorter nets and will of kelp beds, moki on sandy ground, didn’t want to. That can include seabirds
break the length into smaller sections tarakihi and warehou on sandy and such as penguins and shags foraging on
to better target the fish and adjust to gravelly ground, mullet where the the sea floor for prey, marine mammals
the habitat. Set-nets may be set along salinity is low, flounder on sandy and such as fur seals and dolphins, and
a depth range or to straddle a depth muddy shallow ground. Set-netters protected fish. Dolphins are more
measure. target bottom-swimming fish and the susceptible to being caught if they
In harbours, the nets will be set in nets are low in height to avoid catching encounter a net since they aren’t flexible
shallow waters and if set in channels, fish they don’t want. and can’t swim backwards.
must not reach more than a quarter of Boats range from 5m to 18m. Those A number of measures have been
the channel width. When set offshore, working harbours tend to be trailer introduced to limit the risk to some
the nets will be set deeper - up to boats or older launches, not unlike aquatic species from set-netting. The
150m - but are probably only 1.5m those owned by recreational boaties. most significant measures protect Maui
high. All set-nets must be lifted and On smaller vessels, the nets may be and Hector’s dolphins where set-netting
cleared of fish within 18 hours of being hauled by hand and catches will be has been banned from all known habitat
set. A minimum mesh size to prevent in terms of tens of kilograms. Vessels of Maui dolphins and from areas of
the capture of juvenile and small fish is offshore are larger with crews of five to concentration of Hector’s dolphins. In
prescribed in fisheries regulations. six staying at sea for up to four days and total, some 15,000 square kilometres
Ring-nets are small lengths of net having power haulers. Catches may be have been closed to set-netting in
usually attached to a vessel. A school of upwards of a tonne. order to protect Maui and Hector’s
fish, such as kahawai or mullet, will be Most of the fish goes for local dolphins. Other regulated closures
identified. The nets are placed partly consumption, sold in markets, fish protect threatened seabird colonies
around or in front of a small school of shops and supermarkets. A lot of the rig and marine environments. In addition to
fish and fish are chased into the net. and school shark ends up in the staple those regulated closures, industry has
The net is then retrieved and the fish takeaway of fish and chips. closed other areas where it considers
extracted. Such nets are usually in the
water for less than 10 minutes. The fisher
will then seek to locate another school
to repeat the process.
There are 260 fishers, for whom set-
netting is the primary form of fishing,
and possibly 150 other fishers who
occasionally set-net. The number of
set-netters has declined in recent years,
following the wider 40 percent fall in
vessel numbers over the past decade.
The majority of netters fish in the
harbours or inland waters in the north
of the North Island – Parengarenga,
8 | Seafood New Zealand | Volume 26 No 3
FEATURE
its activities might impact on areas of
benthos that can be considered valuable
for fisheries and biodiversity reasons.
The Ministry for Primary Industries
scientifically assesses the risk to seabirds
and marine mammals from commercial
fishing.
They calculate the number of
potential fatalities based on the number
and distribution of protected species,
the amount and distribution of fishing
effort, the overlap between the two
distributions and capture rates obtained
The set-netter Savannah at sea.
from MPI observer records. The figures
are adjusted to cover all fishing effort
point to the effects of changes in diets to seabirds and marine mammals.
and an allowance made for potential but
as a consequence of oceanic conditions The performance of the measures will
unseen fatalities. The risk assessment
and disease rather than fishing captures. be audited and reviewed jointly by
approach and any assumptions are
While the risk assessments may Fisheries New Zealand, the Department
conservative in that they are tasked
indicate that, with the current level of of Conservation and industry. Where the
to provide over-estimates of fatalities
protection from existing measures, on-board risk mitigation measures are
rather than underestimates.
set-netting does not pose a material not achieving the desired outcomes,
Those potential fatalities are then
risk to the long-term viability of any they will be enhanced.
compared to the number of animals that
of our protected species, the sector The commercial industry is also
could be removed from the protected
is determined to seek ways to lower funding research managed through the
species population while still providing
even further its impact on the seabirds Department of Conservation into the
for 50 percent
and mammals with interactions with seabirds and marine
of the maximum
which it shares the mammals and mitigation options to
growth rate of
the population “Those fishing for local oceans. reduce the risk and the placement
Set-netters of observers on vessels to monitor
– the Population
Sustainability sales will be up early and operating in interactions and captures.
Hector’s dolphin
Threshold. Those
risk assessments hard at it to get fish to habitat have a So why the outcry?
code of conduct
take into account
any restrictions
the market and shops that sets out good We leave it to the reader to consider
practice for fishing the above material and come to their
and mitigation
measures that
while the rest of us are in such areas. All own conclusions about set-netting.
vessels attach We can’t answer why commentators
have already been
still in bed.” acoustic pingers to find themselves forced to oppose set-
implemented.
their nets to warn netting in the strong language they
The risk
dolphins of the chose to use. We would much rather
assessment
presence of the nets. Other netters are they worked with us to reduce any risks
estimates that annual potential seabird
following international research and posed by set-netting so our birds and
fatalities from set-netting total 98,
are experimenting with different colour marine mammals can flourish while also
with a 95 percent confidence interval
panes of nets to see if they make a preserving our fishers and a Friday night
of 55 to 166. On average, that is less
difference. Kiwi favourite.
than one bird a year per set-netter.
The industry has recently committed
Looking at yellow eyed penguins, the
to a comprehensive programme to
assessment estimates potential fatalities
implement a risk reduction plan on its
by set-netters total 18 birds. That
vessels. The programme consists of
compares favourably to the Population
setting outcomes for the various fleets
Sustainability Threshold of 121 for the
and working with skippers to develop
mainland population of penguins based
a vessel-specific risk mitigation plan
on a longer term population number or
consistent with the fleet plan. The vessel
64 based on lower current population
plan will set out the measures the vessel
estimates. Scientific commentators on
will take to reduce the risk it creates
the demise of yellow-eyed penguins
Seafood New Zealand | June 2018 | 9
“catch fish...not cables”
There are a number of international submarine cables which come ashore in the Auckland area. These cables supply international
communications for both New Zealand and Australia to the rest of the world.
New Zealand is a very isolated nation and as such is extremely reliant upon global communication via submarine cables. Here in New
Zealand over 97% of all international communication is carried via submarine fibre optic cables. These cables are a key component of
New Zealand’s infrastructure and play a significant role in our everyday lives, the general economy and future growth of New Zealand.
These cables are laid in three submarine cable corridors in the greater Auckland area where anchoring and fishing is prohibited under
the Submarine Cables & Pipelines Protection Act.
These areas are: Symbols Relating To Submarine Cables
These are some of the
• Muriwai Beach out to the 12 mile
territorial limit where both anchoring and Submarine cable
penalties
fishing is prohibited. • A maximum fine of $20,000 for a
• Scott Point to Island Bay in the upper non-commercial vessel.
Waitemata Harbour where anchoring is Submarine • A maximum fine of $10, 0000 for a comme
prohibited. cable area • A maximum fine of $250,000 for
• Takapuna Beach this runs from Takapuna damaging a submarine cable.
Beach in the south to just north of the Hen
& Chicken Island (opposite Taiharuru Head) Additional to the fine for damage, the cable
where anchoring and fishing is prohibited. Anchoring owners would inevitably pursue the recover
prohibited of costs associated with repairs, this could be
Note: These protected areas are monitored by sea up to $750,000 plus a day; a typical repair can
and air patrols. take up to two weeks (around $10 million).
Be Aware
Fishing
prohibited
These International submarine cables
Figure 1. carry up to 10,000 volts to power the
system repeaters along the cable.
For more detail refer to
appropriate marine charts.
Kaitaia
Islands
Bay of
Kerikeri Russell
Kawakawa
Kaikohe Poor Knights Is.
To download Spark Undersea Cable Awareness Charts visit: ANCHORING
Hikurangi AND
boaties.co.nz/useful-info/cables-underwater.html FISHING
PROHIBITED
What should you do?
WHANGAREI ZONE
Dargaville
• If you are going into any of these areas, be sure to check your marine charts and/or Marotere Is.
Hen & Chicken Is.
GPS plotter so you know the exact locations of the prohibited zones. The relevant The Pinnacles
charts are NZ53, NZ5322, NZ532, NZ522, NZ52, NZ42 and NZ43. The symbols used to Mokohinau Is.
mark the zones are detailed in Figure 1.
Little
• If you suspect you have snagged your anchor or fishing gear on a submarine cable in Barrier
Is.
Great
one of these areas, don’t try to free it. Note your position, abandon your gear, then Wellsford
Barrier Is.
call 0800 782 627. Kaipara
Harbour
Flat
Rock
Kawau Is.
C.Colville
What happens outside the prohibited areas?
Tiritiri
Matangi Is. Hauraki
Whangaparoa Mercury Is.
Peninsula Gulf.
ANCHORING
AND Rangitoto Is.
These cables are covered by the Submarine Cables and Pipelines Protection Act FISHING
Takapuna
regardless of whether they are inside or outside a prohibited area. Beyond the PROHIBITED Muriwai AUCKLAND Waiheke Is.
ZONE
confines of the “anchoring and fishing prohibited” areas, the cables are clearly marked Piha
Papatoetoe
Manurewa
on the appropriate marine charts. Manukau
Papakura Coromandel
Harbour
Peninsula
Considering possible positioning inaccuracies and repaired cable section deviations,
fishermen are advised to keep a minimum distance of one nautical mile from either Pukekohe
Thames
Waiuku
side of charted cables.
Note this number:
For any queries regarding submarine cables call: 0800 782 627FEATURE
Minister wants Fisheries NZ
to engage and innovate
Bill Moore
The newly-launched MPI He said all fisheries sectors had
division Fisheries New Zealand different roles and one was no
is up and running and Fisheries more important than another.
Minister Stuart Nash maintains “Let’s be honest, we all want
it will bring a fresh approach to the same thing, from your inshore
managing our marine resources. to your environmental. We want
abundant fisheries and that’s the
Interviewed the morning after aim. If we can achieve that, we’ll
Fisheries NZ was launched at a be doing wonderfully.”
parliamentary function last month, He would not favour any one
Nash focused on two words – sector, citing the CRA 2 decision as
innovation and engagement. an example, with commercial and
He said he’d given the new recreational fishers each asking
business unit’s head, Dan Bolger, for more severe treatment of the
a mandate to engage much more other.
fully with all the key fisheries “We went hard across all
stakeholders – the commercial, sectors.
recreational, eNGO and customary “I understand that the men
sectors – and to enable new and women who are out there
approaches. making a living have to support
He had told Bolger: “Travel the their families, local industry and
world if you need to, to find out the local economy. It’s very very
world best practice, so we can important. But I also recognise the
bring it back here and implement importance of someone going out
it, but let’s change the way we do there, throwing a line over a boat,
things in fisheries.” feeding their family or their friends
With his first six months as or just having a great time on a
minister behind him, Nash said summer’s day.
there were “fantastic people” “My first message as the
who had worked for MPI and minister of Fisheries NZ, I don’t
were now with Fisheries NZ. They want to be ‘We’re going to come
just needed a slightly different down on you like a ton of bricks
direction. Instead of finding because we don’t like what you’re
reasons why things couldn’t be doing or don’t understand what
done, he wanted them to become you’re doing.’ That is not the
enablers, finding solutions to message I want to give in any way,
issues and helping to implement shape or form, or the culture I
them. want to develop at Fisheries NZ in
“It’s sort of changing the focus a any way, shape or form. It is about,
little bit from compliance, which is let’s sit down, let’s find out what’s
obviously a very important part of going on here, if there’s any way
what we do, to enabling innovative we can work together to get better
men and women right across the information from us, or any way
sector from aquaculture to finfish, we can help you, let’s see if we can
inshore, the whole industry. It’s come up with a solution.”
quite an exciting time.” On some specific current issues,
Seafood New Zealand | June 2018 | 11FEATURE
Nash said: to put cameras on boats and those who are struggling to comply.
–– A discussion document for require fishermen to basically “We’re not going to stand over
cameras on boats had been report on everything they catch, them with a big police baton and say,
drafted and would be released then we need to ensure that ‘If you don’t do that, we’re going to
“reasonably soon”. There were we’re not going to send them to put you out of business.’ What we are
some myths circulating that the wall through a regime that is going to do is say ‘Hey, if you need
could easily be dispelled, but perhaps unfair.” a hand to get there, we’re going to
he fully understood fishers’ –– He hoped that the disparate help you’.”
concerns around eNGO access recreational sector could work He hoped that by the end of the
to footage. “We’ve got to come together, in which case he would parliamentary term a programme for
up with solutions that don’t love to have its representatives cameras on boats would be rolled
allow our brand to be destroyed join in top-level consultation out, electronic monitoring would be
but do allow us to collect the along with the commercial, in place and there would be a new
information that will mean customary and eNGOs. If and improved perception of the
that we can make meaningful recreational groups continued way Fisheries NZ engaged with the
decisions.” their infighting, their voice industry.
–– The promised overall review wouldn’t be properly heard. However, he didn’t expect
of fisheries management was –– Charter boat operators that recommendations from the
“shaping up well’’ could provide coming fisheries review would be
and he hoped to information on implemented over the next 2 ½ years.
have the terms “I think we all know, the recreational “There is a lot of work to be done
of reference take in a way that and when I talk about a culture
released by from your very “a bloke putting change at Fisheries NZ, in some areas
August. This was out a tinnie of the industry there’s also going to
an important large guys right on a Saturday have to be a culture change.
exercise, with afternoon” could “I would love us to be world-
some things down to your small not. Fisheries NZ leading in what we do and again,
off the table, would be sitting Dan [Bolger] has that mandate to
including inshore [operators] down with them look at world-leading technologies
the Quota to work out how and practices, bring them back to
Management that things need to to tap into their New Zealand and work with the
System. “But I knowledge. industry to implement them.
think we all know,
change.” This was one “I’m not just talking about nets,
from your very way to address I’m talking about the way we market
large guys right the commercial our fish overseas, the way we use
down to your small inshore sector’s concern that not Brand New Zealand to get a premium
[operators] that things need enough is known about the – so right across that chain from the
to change, and that requires recreational take. Other ways man and the woman who is catching
fishermen and women to of finding out more about the the fish right through to the guys
reassess the way that they’re recreational catch would also be who are marketing our products into
perhaps doing their fishing. We explored. the high-end restaurants around the
will consult widely on this.” The minister said he was encouraged world.”
–– A review of the deemed value by the efforts of those in the industry
regime would form part of the to mitigate bycatch and the capture of
cameras on boats consultation, dolphins, penguins, sealions and birds,
rather than waiting for the and by the work it was doing around the
overall review. “We all know Promise campaign.
that there’s dumping and “But I think the industry
discarding. Anyone who denies themselves will have to admit that
that has their head in the sand. there are rogues.
But it’s how we deal with these I’m not going to let off dodgy
issues that will be a real test of buggers in any way, shape or form.
Fisheries NZ. There are perverse Nor should we, and I don’t think the
incentives out there to do the industry expects us to. But I think
wrong thing, we need to change what the industry would like is to
that, certainly if we’re going see us provide guidance and help to
12 | Seafood New Zealand | Volume 26 No 3FEATURE
We’ll listen, promises Fisheries NZ head
Bill Moore
Career civil servants aren’t given to really understand those perspectives
public displays of emotion but Dan and bring people together where we
Bolger openly declares he’s excited can.
by his new job as head of Fisheries “The second thing is innovation. It
New Zealand. is a fresh start with a new entity and
we will be looking to see what we
Formerly leading the office of the can do differently. Who knows what
director-general at the Ministry for that might be? But we’ll be very open
Primary Industries and before that to innovation, actively looking for it,
in a series of roles with the various and looking to support where we can
incarnations of MPI and MAF, Bolger innovation going on in industry, as well
officially became Fisheries NZ head last as our own organisation.”
month. Bolger said the world was
He’d actually been in charge of the increasingly data and analytics-driven
marine branch of MPI for the six months and this would be reflected in the way
since the election as preparations for the new business unit operated.
the new business unit were made, and “We will have a new team in Fisheries
said it was “wonderful’’ to have a really NZ that will bring together our fisheries Dan Bolger
clear focus on fisheries. scientists with our observers, with our
“I put my hand up for this role pretty data people. We’ll be looking see,
of cameras on boats was thoughtfully
enthusiastically, partly because there’s in a changing world, what can we do
worked through to “make sure we get
a lot to do and partly because of the differently with that space? Are there
things right”.
passion that people have for fisheries,” different ways to use our data to create
“In the big picture, there’s a real onus
he said. more value?”
on New Zealand to demonstrate that
“We’ve got people in the team here He said there had been “rich and
the way our fisheries are managed is
who’ve devoted their life to it – real varied” contact
extremely robust, and
passionate experts - people all around between the industry
that’s going to require
the country who devote their life to and MPI in recent
a lot of transparency,”
fishing of one kind or another, or to the years, and it couldn’t
Bolger said.
marine environment, with an amazing, be categorised as a “There’s a real onus “To get to that
deep knowledge, and who really care single relationship. on New Zealand to point is a change for
about things.” The introduction of
“I’m enjoying dealing with those Fisheries NZ created a demonstrate that the industry and for
us. Whenever there’s
people. It’s an exciting time. There’s lots new beginning. the way our fisheries a change, there’s
of potential for some really good things “We need to are managed is concerns about that,
to happen.” make sure that we’ve
In the unit’s first week Bolger was got really good
extremely robust, and things to work
singing from the same hymn-sheet as relationships across and that’s going through. I guess that’s
where we’re at.”
Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash, with the the board. Our to require a lot of He said data
engagement and innovation message industry relationships
transparency.” and science were
prominent. are critical – so are
fundamental to
He said fisheries was a fascinating our relationships with
how fisheries were
space with enthusiastic people in the recreational fishers,
managed, and
industry, the eNGOs, recreational fishing environmental groups and of course the
Fisheries NZ would be looking at how
and the Treaty partner representatives. Treaty partner representatives.”
to make really accurate data more
“We’re going to have a real focus on The minister had made it clear that
accessible to those who wanted it.
how we engage right across the board he wanted Fisheries NZ to take the
“Of the fish stocks we’ve got good
with everyone, and make sure that we time to make sure that the prospect
information about, we know they’re
Seafood New Zealand | June 2018 | 13FEATURE
mostly okay. There’s a good platform electronic reporting across the fishing ideas. We may or may not agree, but
there. There’s also some fish stocks we fleet, and then cameras on boats. we’ll certainly listen and seek to make
don’t know enough about yet, so that’s The bigger picture direction was sure that we’ve understood.”
something we need to keep working on. towards ecosystem-based management,
“Overall, the decisions we make have which could “bring a richness” to
got to be science-based, and to make decision-making.
science-based decisions you’ve got to What does that mean?
have good data.” “To me an ecosystem-based
Generating $1.7-$1.8 billion in annual approach brings in over time more –– Fisheries New Zealand,
fisheries and aquaculture exports, the consideration of the interrelationships of which has the te reo
industry was important to New Zealand, species and their environment, but also name Tini a Tangaroa
and a lot of different communities at the human side, the different values (whole of the sea) was
benefited. that people bring to something,” Bolger officially launched on
“I like to focus on the good side of said. May 1.
things – there’s a huge amount of good “Everyone’s talking about it, and we
stuff going on and I’m sure the industry need to keep working towards a bit –– It is one of four new
is going to keep building on that.” more clarity around what in practice dedicated business units
He liked the way the industry was might make sense in New Zealand.” within MPI, along with
following up on the Promise campaign Ecosystem-based approaches Forestry New Zealand,
by working with fishers around the ports seemed intuitively right. Biosecurity New Zealand
on good practice. “It’s a complex ecosystem and the and New Zealand Food
“With any publicity campaign, more we can make decisions on a Safety.
ultimately it’s what’s really going on greater richness of understanding, the
behind it that matters, not what’s being better decisions we’re going to get. The –– It has 120 staff at eight
said up front,” he said. challenge is, what’s a sensible workable sites from Whangarei to
“Right across the fisheries and our series of steps to take in New Zealand Dunedin, as well as about
marine environment and across all the for our fisheries management?” 100 fisheries observers.
stakeholder groups, people at a high His goal for Fisheries NZ was to be
level roughly want a similar thing. They practical but also open and engaged. –– It combines fisheries
want healthy oceans, thriving oceans “To me the right amount of science, aquaculture,
with lots of fish in them, plenty to go consultation is when you’ve genuinely management, planning
around, and for future generations. I’ve understood people’s perspectives and and monitoring. Other
talked to a lot of people over the last they feel that you’ve been able to do MPI staff will provide
few months from all sorts of different that,” Bolger said. legal, policy and other
perspectives and you struggle to think “I’d like people to know that we shared services.
of someone who didn’t want that.” want to actively talk with them and in
Early initiatives would be around particular to listen to their thoughts and
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14 | Seafood New Zealand | Volume 26 No 3NEWS
Mussel farmers were hard-hit when an algal bloom struck in 1992.
Twenty-five years since nationwide ban
Matt Atkinson
It has been 25 years since an algal “There was a lot of uncertainty and scientifically robust. This established the
bloom shut down New Zealand’s the humanitarian cost was real. Many teamwork that is a great strength of the
coastline for three months. of us had little to no income and the research programmes we have today.”
Marlborough community was relying on OPC managing director Jim
Beginning in December 1992 and food parcels,” Pooley said. Williscroft described the bloom as a
extending to March 1993, the toxic “We’re resilient people and knew we “disaster” for the people of Whitianga.
bloom forced a ban on shellfish would make it through, but there were “Unlike earthquakes or floods there
processing and exporting, leaving certainly casualties within the marine is no physical evidence of any problem,
scientists stumped as to the cause. farming association.” but it’s a people disaster,” he said.
The Marlborough Sounds, home of In the final month, the ban was Cawthron Research Scientist Dr
New Zealand’s mussel industry, was hit extended to include harvesting. Lincoln Mackenzie was heavily involved
particularly hard. Ministry of Health regulator Al in the scientific response to the bloom
Former fisheries minister and Campbell said closure was a painful and said there was a lot of pressure at
Marlborough MP Doug Kidd said decision that cost the industry dearly, the time.
stopping exports was inconvenient and but brought about important innovation. “People’s livelihoods were on the
“indeed painful for many people”. “At the time there was a line and the media attention was huge -
“But a short-term problem is better user-pays model in science research, there was something people found very
than a long-term insoluble one,” he and that meant industry really owned fascinating about this unknown thing
said. the problem and became partners in the from the ocean affecting their food
Marine farmer Rob Pooley, who at solution,” Campbell said. supply,” Mackenzie said.
the time was in the early stages of his “Industry worked closely with “If this type of event happens
new business, said there was a massive scientists and regulators, so all new tomorrow, we’ll know quickly and there
learning curve as they got the science innovations were driven out of a desire won’t be any mystery about it.”
up to speed. to be collaborative, cost effective, and
Seafood New Zealand | June 2018 | 15FEATURE
Research leads to
safer seafood
Cathy Webb
We all know how important food listeria monocytogenes, to name just a methyl-mercury and histamine currently
safety is, it simply goes without few. being progressed through Codex,
saying. As producers of high quality Not surprisingly, the Australian ciguatera fish poisoning, the vibrio
seafood product we work hard to seafood industry is also focused on group of bacteria, harmonisation of
ensure our products are safe. This food safety and I recently attended retail producer schemes, food fraud
effort pays off and has led to our the Australian SafeFish partnership and treatment of tuna with carbon
industry earning a reputation of being meeting as an independent observer. monoxide.
suppliers of safe seafood across the SafeFish is a partnership between the The primary benefit of this
many markets we supply. However, seafood industry, research providers collaboration is in utilising the expertise
the hard work must continue as and the Australian government and is both countries have across the different
maintaining this reputation is critical. funded by the Fisheries Research and science disciplines and working
Development Institute (FRDC) and together in areas where there is shared
Assisting the seafood industry in the industry stakeholders. SafeFish either interest. While the Australians may have
food safety space is the Seafood undertakes research directly or uses access to a larger pool of funding for
Standards Council, providing its funding to leverage other research research, like New Zealand, it not an
guidance and advice and working funding available in Australia. ever-expanding pool, and therefore
with the regulator to develop The purpose of attending SafeFish avoiding duplication of effort in areas
appropriate standards, and the is to strengthen the collaboration of seafood safety research is of mutual
industry-driven seafood safety between New Zealand and Australia benefit to both countries. I look forward
research being undertaken through where there are common interests to reporting further in this space.
a dedicated seafood food safety relating to food safety. Issues of interest –– Cathy Webb is the seafood
research programme called the Safe to New Zealand on the SafeFish agenda standards manager at Seafood NZ
New Zealand Seafood Programme (Safe include marine biotoxin research in and the executive officer of the
NZ Seafood). rock lobster, standards relating to Seafood Standards Council.
Safe NZ Seafood was established
in 2007 by a consortium of research
providers. It is led by Cawthron Institute,
along with input from ESR, Plant and
Food Research, and Agresearch. The
programme is funded by MBIE with
contribution from the seafood industry
and is focused on research in the
areas relating to harmful algal bloom
technologies, marine toxin chemistry
and toxicology, virus monitoring and
infectivity, and bacterial contamination.
The programme has had a
number of successes over the years,
including the development of rapid
chemical test methods for biotoxins,
molecular detection tools for norovirus,
faster methods for detecting vibrio
bacteria, and significant progress in
understanding biofilm formation by
16 | Seafood New Zealand | Volume 26 No 3CONFERENCE
2018 conference will focus
on industry’s Promise
The 2018 Seafood New Zealand embodies that ideal, as the conference sustainability means to them and how
Conference will celebrate the will cover important topics such as that translates into business practice.
Promise industry has made to all responsible marine management and We will also feature our people, those
New Zealanders. innovation.” out there every day gathering and
Leading the charge in accountability processing healthy seafood.
Based on the continuing is SNZ chair Craig Ellison, who will grade “Collaboration with the seafood
communications campaign, the theme is the industry on its performance since sector will be highlighted by
Our People, Our Promise. the 2017 conference. Department of Conservation chief
A technical day will be held on “Craig’s scorecard is an honest executive Lou Sanson, and we will also
August 1 followed by the conference on assessment of the entire sector; where be updated on key research on ocean
August 2, beginning at 9 am. we are moving forward and where we circulation and marine heatwaves.
Seafood New Zealand (SNZ) chief need to improve,” Pankhurst said. “Celebrity chefs Nadia Lim and
executive Tim Pankhurst said in 2017 “Last year was the first time it was Martin Bosley will speak about the
the seafood industry made a promise to done and the evaluation showed we importance of seafood in a healthy diet
be accountable for its actions and to be are doing good things but we can go and also promote the use of
responsible guardians of the sea. further. I look forward to hearing the lesser-known species.”
“We are determined to keep that report card. A conference app will allow
promise and make sure New Zealand’s “There will be a great array of delegates to connect and submit
fisheries are sustainable for generations speakers, covering topics right across questions to speakers.
to come,” Pankhurst said. the board.
“The theme Our People, Our Promise “Industry leaders will touch on what
Seafood New Zealand | June 2018 | 17OUR PROMISE
This is our promise to every New Zealander.
A promise about one of our most valued and treasured resources.
We are the men and women of the New Zealand seafood industry and we want you to be
proud of each and every one of us.
We promise to be guardians of our oceans and to continue finding new ways to lead the
world with sustainable practices – right now and for decades to come.
We may not always get it right, but we’re committed to always exploring ways to do
things better.
We have nothing to hide and much to be proud of.
So come with us and share our stories at seafood.co.nz.
OUR PROMISE
IN PRACTICE
OUR CODE OF CONDUCT
We do not condone illegal behaviour.
We will always aim to do the right thing. The law surrounding fishing is both technical and
complex and, at times, some people may make mistakes. When the law is breached, we will
accept the consequences and make changes where needed.
We will work with Government and other interested parties to develop
and implement principled and practical policies to ensure the use
of fisheries resources is sustainable.
If we don’t fish sustainably our industry has no future; it’s the cornerstone of our business.
We must ensure the economic gains we derive do not come at the cost of long-term sustainability.
Working constructively with Government is vital to strike the best balance between current
resource use and future opportunities for all New Zealanders. Striking this balance requires
application of sound principles to develop evidence-based policy that uses robust information.
We will continue to actively minimise our impacts on the marine environment
and encourage others to act similarly.
It is important to us we look after our marine environment. All New Zealanders derive benefits from
our natural resources today, but we are also guardians for future generations.
This responsibility requires that we take care when we harvest; that we are conscious of our
impacts, and that we work hard to reduce them. All food production has an impact on the
environment, but we will strive to get ours as close to zero impact as we can.
We will continue to invest in science and innovation to enhance fisheries’
resources and add value.
Our fisheries are a treasured resource and, like all other countries, New Zealand uses these natural
resources for food, recreation and commerce. We commit to harvest the commercial component of
these resources responsibly. We commit to investments that add value to the resources we harvest
to deliver optimum value to New Zealand.
We look after our people and treat them fairly.
We value our people. Whether they are working on land or on vessels at sea, we will work hard to
keep them safe and to create an environment that fosters their passion for the seafood industry.
We will be accountable for delivering on Our Promise and will support
increased transparency.
We will report annually on the progress we are making. We understand that much of what we do is
over the horizon and out of sight, and we welcome the public becoming better acquainted with how
we operate. Increased transparency is part of building that understanding and trust, but it must be
affordable, practical and respect the privacy and dignity of our people.
We give our wordFEATURE
Packed fishing port in a 1984 storm
The 1984 West Coast albacore tuna Albacore is a non-ITQ migratory Smith said.
fleet numbered 124 vessels. This species that arrives in New Zealand’s While most of the boats in the picture
aerial picture supplied by veteran EEZ around November and exits around can’t be accurately identified from that
fisherman Andy Smith was taken in April, with its open access providing a distance, here is the 1984 fleet list: Ake
Westport during a weather event relief valve from other fisheries. Ake, Alamo, Aloma, Amigo, Anna Marie,
that kept most of the fleet in port. Albacore comprises over 93 percent Annie, Aorere, Arawpawa II, Arethusa,
A similar number or even more were of the catch, making it an extremely Billie Jean, Blue Seas II, Cabina,
tied up in Greymouth on the same efficient and environmentally friendly Catchalott, Cascade, Cavalier, C-Dart,
day. target fishery. The two main bycatch Centurion, Compass Rose, Conchita,
species, Ray’s bream and skipjack tuna, Corsair, Cotopaxi, Da Vinci, Dawn,
The picture was commissioned by are 3.1 percent and 2.1 percent of Debbie Jane, Desiree, Destiny G, Diana,
Talley’s and a few copies are held in the catch respectively. Smith said no Digger, Doris G, Dorothy May, Dove,
various fishing companies around the endangered, threatened or protected Duncan, Erin K, Fellowship, Girl Isobel,
country. species were impacted by this fishery, Golden Bay, Grace, Harvester, Helen
Smith, who fished albacore off the which is MSC approved. N, Hinemoa, Honeydew, Hope, Imp,
West Coast in the late ‘70s and early Water temperatures have a marked Iona II, Iveagh Bay, Jay Debra, Jeanette,
‘80s and is currently operations manager effect on albacore movement and this Joanne Marie, Job Star, Joy Marie,
at Talley’s Nelson, said in the early days year it was warmer by about 2 degrees. Kaianga, Karemoana, Kawatiri, Kelvin,
there were 300 to 400 vessel fishing in a The catch, mainly 3-5kg fish, is landed Kereru, Koromiko, Kotahi, Kotuku, KT,
good year. on ice into licensed fish receivers who Lady Dorothy, Lady Jane, Lady Waiana,
Westport and Greymouth were the export it whole frozen for processing Leander, Lotus, Louisa, Majestic, Marie
places to be. In the best year, with this into loins, canned and bottled product. Ann, Marina, Mariner II, Matai, Minerva,
many vessels fishing, the total catch was The main markets are Thailand, Miranda, Moata, Mouette, Natalie,
around 6700 tons. Vietnam, the Philippines and France. Nimbus, Okarito, Okawa 4, Owenga
For various reasons there are now The average annual catch now of VII, Owenga 8, Pamir, Pandora, Pearly
only 70 to 120 vessels fishing and the around 2500 tonnes is only a small Shells, Philia, Pioneer, Quo Vadis, Red
catch varies from 2500 tonnes in a good fraction of the overall annual catch Witch, Rita, Roma, Rongatea, Rongo
year to 1200 tonnes. from the South Pacific albacore stock Marie, Royal Salute, Sambeau, Sandra
“Do the numbers,” Smith said. of around 85,000 tonnes, which is Fay, San Pietro, Sarabande II, Sea Bee,
“Three hundred and fifty vessels taken mainly by international longliners Sealord, Sea Shag, Seibel, Sharyn,
catching 6700 tons is about 20 tonnes operating in the Western Pacific. Silver Foam, Sir Alan McNab, Southern
per vessel and 100 vessels catching say “Being a migratory fish we do have Ocean, South Seas, Sovereign, Starlight,
2500 tons on average is 25 tonnes per to be mindful of the impact of the Sundance, Tainui, Takitumu, Talisman,
vessel. fleet of mainly Chinese and Taiwanese Tamarix, Tawaki, Towai, Tradewind,
“Its simple maths and for inshore and tuna vessesl to the west and north of Triona, Triton, Trojan, Trojan II, Unity,
coastal operators it can be a welcome New Zealand that fish in international Victor Hugo, Waimarie II, Waipawa.
break from trawling if it’s a good season waters regulated by the Western and
and you get the fish.” Central Pacific Fisheries Commission,”
Seafood New Zealand | June 2018 | 19You can also read
